Revolutionizing Wound Care with Chitosan-Based Biomaterials

Wound healing is a complex, multi-phase biological process involving haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodelling. Effective wound management requires materials that not only protect the wound site but also actively support tissue regeneration and prevent infection. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide derived from chitin, has emerged as a promising biopolymer in wound care due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, intrinsic antimicrobial activity, haemostatic properties, and ability to promote cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. This review highlights the role of chitosan and its various formulation platforms including hydrogels, films, membranes, nanoparticles, nanofibers, sprayable systems, and injectable hydrogels in enhancing different stages of wound healing. These formulations offer versatile options for addressing the challenges of both acute and chronic wounds by maintaining a moist environment, delivering bioactive agents in a controlled manner, and facilitating tissue repair. Recent advances in formulation strategies and material modifications have further expanded the potential of chitosan-based wound dressings. However, clinical translation requires overcoming challenges related to scalability, standardization, and regulatory approval. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current developments in chitosan-based wound healing technologies and underscores the need for continued research to optimize their therapeutic efficacy and clinical applicability.